Former firefighter suspected of sexual assault

Police are asking for the public's help in locating a former San Francisco firefighter suspected of using his badge to commit violent sexual assaults on women.

The most recent incident happened Aug. 22 near the intersection of 16th and Carolina streets, on the border of San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood, according to the Police Department. The victim was able to escape Candia's vehicle and call police.

A $500,000 warrant has been issued for the suspect, Horacio Candia Jr., on three counts of forced oral copulation, one count of sexual battery, one count of making terrorist threats and one count of false imprisonment, according to police.

Candia, 48, is Filipino, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 160 pounds, with brown eyes and a shaved head, police said. He may be driving a green, four-door 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante with the California license plate 5GSH121, or with paper plates.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Department's sex crimes detail at (415) 553-1361. Anyone who sees Candia is asked to call 911.